Another witness said: “I heard someone swearing and looked and saw a man, he must have only been about 19.

“I think he smashed some things in Body Shop then came over to TK Maxx entrance.

“As he was coming back up on the escalator he got to the top and moved towards the lift. He then climbed onto the railings and fell.

“It was awful. As soon as I saw him on the railings my heart sank and just hoped he would get down.

“I hope he is alright.”

Police were first on the scene and an ambulance was called. The man was treated at the scene and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with injuries that were described as serious but not life-threatening.

Body Shop remained open as normal but the TK Maxx store was cordoned off for much of the morning.

A police spokesman said: “We were called at 9.41am to reports that a male has fallen from the escalator at TK Maxx in Kingsgate Centre.